The original name of Sherman Poppen’s snowboard-like toy, invented in 1965, was the Snurfer.
Poppen created the Snurfer in Michigan by fastening two skis together so his daughter could slide downhill while standing. He added a rope at the front for balance and control. The name combined “snow” and “surfer,” reflecting the toy’s surf-inspired design.
The Snurfer became a commercial product and attracted organized competitions. Its simple construction differed from modern snowboards, which use shaped decks, bindings, and specialized materials, but it helped establish the idea of standing sideways while gliding over snow. Poppen later licensed the design for production.
The history of snowboarding has several important contributors, including Dimitrije Milovich, Jake Burton Carpenter, Tom Sims, and Paul Graves. The Snurfer was not identical to today’s snowboard, but it is widely recognized as a direct predecessor and an important step in the sport’s development.